Sunday 13 July 2014, marked the official media opening of
Reik Na Die Sterre - die Grootste Afrikaanse Musical Nog ooit!
What an incredibly special and memorable evening!
It was possibly one of
the proudest moments I have had in honour of my wonderfully talented husband,
Ferdinand Gernandt, who co-produced, wrote, choreographed and directed this original, top-quality production by
The Smash Hit Company. (#reiknadiesterre)
Having just landed back in SA from two weeks in the States, I had not seen any of the progress while away and even when I had seen bits and pieces of technical runs days before, I wasn't prepared for the amazing responses from the audience or the glow of joy and pride I would feel watching the final product on the day of the VIP event.
Before the show, hubby gave an opening welcome speech with such grace and sincerity - and with his words of love and gratitude aimed at his easy-to-tear-up wife, I was nearly a blurry mess before it even began.
It was such a wonderful pleasure being styled by my 'go-to' team at
The Follicle Hair Atelier in Brooklyn for the event (012 435 8777) and also to have them all attend!
(They looked dashing, sporting their 'Stiki' bow-tie wooden accessories!)
Inspired by a Charlize Theron red-carpet look, we opted for an 'old hollywood glamour' feel for both hubby and I.
It worked perfectly with my gorgeous black beaded dress for the evening, courtesy of
Nerine Pienaar from
The Warderobe Studio (Also Warderobe Designer for #reiknadiesterre) in conjunction with
Just for Tonight Josephine.
The exceptional cast featured in this production, delivered phenomenal performances on Opening. I really could start mentioning favourites but would probably end up listing the full company.
Let me at least mention the lead actors by name -
Willem Botha, Kristen Raath, Tristin Focherini, Neels Clasen, Kenneth Meyer, Richard van der Westhuizen and
Sarah Theron, who each in their own right bring passion, commitment and enormous talent to the stage.
There are truly exceptional dancers in the cast and brilliant cameo and supporting character performances each engaging the audience to tears or roaring laughter.
(Not to mention the ridiculous eye-candy for guys and gals alike!)
Moments I especially enjoy are the high-energy and intense company dance numbers such as
Beat of My Heart, Ek Reik Na Die Sterre, Carry On (an epic male tap number) and
Fight For Love as well as fabulous comic or sincere and heart-wrenching scenes or songs like
Die Hart van my Moeder and
Ruiter van die Windjie.
Other wow moments are created by the flashy bmx's that the 'paperboys' get around in, which become part of the elaborate and exciting choreographic plotting.
The set is gorgeous and wonderfully woven into the story as to form a whole character on its own.
Murray Lubbe; as well as the majestic lighting design by
Johan Ferreira with powerfully lit moments in many of the military scenes, especially
Op Die Vlerk van n Spier Wit Duif. Mention must be made of
Marlee van der Merwe, who was responsible for the impeccable vocal direction of the company.
This is only further complimented by the mood-setting and fresh new musical arrangements of old favourites by
It was heart-warming to see several youngsters and families in the auditorium, as well as many well-known public faces, media and critics. The buzz surrounding #reiknadiesterre leading up to that day did not disappoint and has only been fueled by a flutter of social media responses after Sunday. It's great to read so many kind and positive responses as well as constructive feedback. Read some on the
Reik Na Die Sterre Facebook Page and here is a link to the
Beeld Review.
With only 4 weeks of running at
The State Theatre Opera now under way, the time is going to fly by!
They are already experiencing high increases in ticket sales, so jump in!
(Tickets are available now at
Computicket @ R250 per ticket.)
Go and support this superb cast and company!
Go and #reiknadiesterre!!!
